A member of the public called the animal welfare charity after witnessing a hedgehog being kicked by children at around 8.40pm on Friday, 15 September in Home Farm Road in Plymstock, Plymouth.

Thankfully the hedgehog (pictured) was rescued and taken to a vet before being transferred to one of the charity’s specialist wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres where the hedgehog is now recovering as it is prepared for release back into the wild.

Dr Bel Deering, centre manager at RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre, said: “Luckily no lasting damage has been done but it’s a very sad tale. There is never an excuse for such a senseless attack on a defenceless animal.”